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Cost Effectivnes Of Modernization And Centralization Of Fuel Terminal In Solin
No full textOvaj završni rad detaljno analizira isplativost ulaganja u centralizaciju i modernizaciju
terminala za naftne derivate u Solinu, koji je u vlasništvu INA-e. U kontekstu dinamičnih
promjena na tržištu energenata, posebno s obzirom na rastući trend električnih vozila i europske
smjernice za smanjenje emisija, donošenje investicijskih odluka zahtijeva oprezan i
konzervativan pristup. Projekt predlaže sveobuhvatnu rekonstrukciju s ciljem modernizacije i
centralizacije terminala, čime bi se značajno smanjili operativni troškovi te osigurala dugoročna
održivost poslovanja u skladu s budućim izazovima i regulativama.
Trenutno terminal u Solinu djeluje na dvije odvojene lokacije, koje su ključne za opskrbu
Dalmacije, kao i dijelova tržišta Bosne i Hercegovine. Međutim, postoje značajni izazovi koji
opravdavaju potrebu za rekonstrukcijom. Jedan od glavnih razloga je nemogućnost daljnje
izgradnje i širenja na lokaciji Vranjičko blato, ponajviše zbog urbanističkih promjena koje su
zahvatile to područje. Uz to, potencijalne operativne uštede predstavljaju značajan motiv za
ulaganje u modernizaciju, jer bi konsolidacija resursa i unapređenje tehnologije omogućili
učinkovitije i ekonomičnije poslovanje.
U ovom radu primijenjene su kvantitativne i kvalitativne metode kako bi se procijenila
isplativost ulaganja. U analizu su uključeni ključni elementi poput trenutne i buduće potražnje
za naftnim derivatima, uzimajući u obzir specifičnosti regije i prometnu sezonalnost u
Dalmaciji. Poseban fokus stavljen je i na zakonodavne zahtjeve, koji imaju sve značajniji
utjecaj na poslovanje naftnih kompanija. U okviru istraživanja izrađeni su detaljni projektni
planovi koji obuhvaćaju sve aspekte modernizacije, uključujući tehničke specifikacije, analizu
troškova i koristi (cost-benefit analiza), te procjenu rizika povezanih s implementacijom
projekta.
Provedena analiza pokazala je da bi modernizacija terminala rezultirala značajnim uštedama
kako u kapitalnim, tako i u operativnim troškovima. Uspoređujući scenarij redovnog održavanja
postojećeg stanja sa scenarijem modernizacije, postalo je jasno da modernizacija predstavlja
ekonomski isplativiju opciju. Osim financijskih prednosti, modernizacija bi omogućila i bolje
upravljanje resursima, smanjenje ekološkog otiska te usklađenost s budućim regulativnim
zahtjevima Europske unije.
Zaključno, rekonstrukcija i modernizacija terminala u Solinu ne samo da bi donijela neposredne
ekonomske koristi, već bi i osigurala konkurentsku prednost INA-i na tržištu, osiguravajući
održivost poslovanja u dugoročnom razdoblju. Ovaj projekt predstavlja primjer strateškog ulaganja koje kombinira financijsku odgovornost s nužnom prilagodbom suvremenim
izazovima energetskog sektoraThis thesis thoroughly analyses the profitability of investing in the centralization and
modernization of the petroleum derivatives terminal in Solin, owned by INA d.d. In the
context of dynamic changes in the energy market, particularly considering the rising trend of
electric vehicles and European guidelines for reducing emissions, making investment
decisions requires a cautious and conservative approach. The project proposes a
comprehensive reconstruction aimed at modernizing and centralizing the terminal, which
would significantly reduce operational costs and ensure long-term business sustainability in
line with future challenges and regulations.
Currently, the terminal in Solin operates at two separate locations, which are crucial for
supplying Dalmatia as well as parts of the Bosnian market. However, there are significant
challenges that justify the need for reconstruction. One of the main reasons is the inability to
expand further at the Vranjičko blato site, primarily due to urban planning changes affecting
the area. Moreover, potential operational savings are a significant motivation for investing in
modernization, as the consolidation of resources and technological improvements would
enable more efficient and cost-effective operations.
Quantitative and qualitative methods have been applied in this thesis to assess the
investment's profitability. The analysis includes key elements such as current and future
demand for petroleum derivatives, considering the region's specificities and seasonal traffic
patterns in Dalmatia. Special attention has also been given to regulatory requirements, which
increasingly impact oil companies' operations. As part of the research, detailed project plans
have been developed, covering all aspects of modernization, including technical
specifications, cost-benefit analysis, and risk assessment associated with project
implementation.
The conducted analysis demonstrated that modernizing the terminal would lead to significant
savings in both capital and operational costs. Comparing the scenario of maintaining the
current state with the modernization scenario, it became clear that modernization is the more
economically viable option. Beyond financial benefits, modernization would also enable
better resource management, reduce the environmental footprint, and ensure compliance with
future European Union regulatory requirements.
In conclusion, the reconstruction and modernization of the Solin terminal would not only
yield immediate economic benefits but also secure a competitive advantage for INA in the
market, ensuring business sustainability in the long term. This project represents an example
of strategic investment that combines financial responsibility with the necessary adaptation to
contemporary challenges in the energy sector
Operational Procurement Planning in the Integration Process of a Company
No full textStrateško odlučivanje predstavlja izazov u turbulentnom poslovnom okruženju. Jasno
definiranje vrijednosti i ostvarivih ciljeva, te uspješna primjena strategije je ključna za
održivi stalan rast poslovanja. Jedan od strateških modela rasta je kroz akviziciju
poduzeća. Kako bi matična organizacija bila spremna i uspješno provela pripajanje novog
poduzeća u sustav mora imati jasno definirane interne procese koji se jednostavno mogu
primijeniti u novi sustav.
U ovom radu integrirano je više metoda strateškog menadžmenta kako bi se primjena
prilagodila uslužnom sektoru. Proces integrira lean načela, metodu Hoshin Kanria koji
vodi kroz proces implementacije leana, provedbe, dokumentiranja i komunikacije
korporativne strategije, a uravnotežena tablica rezultata za definiranje okvira kroz
perspektive strategije i ciljeva. Komunikacija strategije prema svim odjelima i na svim
razinama unutar organizacije je važna karika uspješne i održive provedbe ciljeva. Primjer
integrirane metode je prikazan na organizaciji procesa u odjelu nabave hotelskog
poduzeća koje se moralo prilagoditi novim zahtjevima uslijed nagle ekspanzije
akvizicijom drugih hotelskih poduzeća na više destinacija.Strategic decision-making presents a challenge in a turbulent business environment.
Clearly defining values and achievable goals, as well as successfully implementation of
the strategy, is the key to a sustainable continuous business growth. One of the strategic
growth models is through the acquisition of a company. In order for the parent
organization to be ready and successfully implement the merger of a new company into
the system, it must have clearly defined internal processes that can be easily applied to
the new system.
This paper integrates several strategic management methods in order to adapt the methods
to the service sector. The process integrates Lean principles, the Hoshin Kanri method,
as a guide through the process of implementing, executing, documenting and
communicating corporate strategy, and the Balanced Scorecard to define the framework
through the perspectives of strategy and goals. The communication strategy towards all
departments and at all levels within the organization is an important link in the successful
and sustainable implementation of goals. An example of an integrated method is shown
in the organization of processes in the procurement department of a hotel company that
had to adapt to new requirements after a sudden expansion by acquiring other hotel
companies in multiple destinations
Comparison of Contracting Principles for LNG and Pipeline Gas
No full textOvaj rad pruža uvid u složen svijet ugovora o opskrbi i trgovini plinom unutar energetskog
tržišta Europske unije, istražujući kako su nedavni geopolitički događaji, poput ratova u
Ukrajini i Izraelu, utjecali na tijek i strukturu energetskih politika EU. Posebno se analizira
utjecaj ovih događaja na aspekte poput cijena plina, koje su doživjele značajne promjene kao
odgovor na tržišne i političke nestabilnosti. Osim toga, rad razmatra kako su ove promjene
potaknule EU na redefiniranje strategija diverzifikacije izvora energije, te kako su se ovi
događaji odrazili na ugovore o opskrbi plinom, potičući promišljanje o dugoročnoj energetskoj
sigurnosti i stabilnosti. Analizirajući povijesni razvoj i trenutno stanje energetskog tržišta EU,
rad identificira i razmatra ključne političke odluke i regulatorne promjene koje su kroz godine
oblikovale ovaj sektor. Od liberalizacije tržišta do trenutnih izazova i prilika, pruža se
kontekstualni okvir koji pomaže u razumijevanju kako se energetski sektor EU prilagođava i
reagira na promjene u globalnom okruženju.
Posebna pažnja posvećena je detaljnoj analizi ugovora o opskrbi plinom (GSA – Gas Supply
Agreement) i ugovora o prodaji i kupnji ukapljenog prirodnog plina (LNG SPA – Sales and
Purchase Agreements ), koji su identificirani kao ključni stupovi u energetskom sustavu
Europske unije. Ovi ugovori, esencijalni za reguliranje trgovine i opskrbe plinom, pokazali su
se kao ključni instrumenti u osiguravanju energetske sigurnosti i stabilnosti EU. Analiza je
pokazala da su globalni događaji, kao što su geopolitičke promjene i fluktuacije na tržištima
energije, imali značajan utjecaj na dinamiku tržišta plina unutar EU. Promjene u cijenama plina,
uvjetima ugovora, kao i izvorima opskrbe, izravni su rezultati ovih globalnih utjecaja, potičući
EU na preispitivanje i prilagodbu svojih energetskih strategija i ugovornih praksi. Naglašava se
potreba za proaktivnim i strateškim pristupom u upravljanju energetskim izazovima, s
posebnim naglaskom na prilagodljivost, inovacije i suradnju u kontekstu energetskog sektora.
Diskutiraju se i strategije za suočavanje s budućim izazovima, uključujući diverzifikaciju izvora
energije, integraciju obnovljivih izvora i tehnološke inovacije koje mogu pridonijeti održivosti
i sigurnosti energetskog tržišta EU.This paper delves deeply into the intricate web of gas supply and trade contracts in the European
Union energy market, illuminating the ways in which recent geopolitical developments, such
the conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, have shaped the trajectory and framework of EU energy
policy. Gas prices, for example, have gone through a lot of fluctuations due to political and
financial volatility; this article examines how these events have affected them. The study goes
on to discuss how these shifts have affected gas supply contracts, which has led to thought about
energy stability and security in the long run, and how the European Union has rethought its
energy diversification strategy in light of these developments. This study examines the
evolution and present situation of the energy market in the European Union, looking specifically
at the important political choices and regulatory shifts that have influenced this industry.
A contextual framework is offered to assist comprehend the ways in which the energy sector of
the European Union is adjusting and reacting to changes in the global environment, spanning
from market liberalization to present difficulties and possibilities. Gas supply contracts (GSA)
and liquefied natural gas sales and purchase contracts (LNG SPA) are examined in depth since
they are important components of the EU's energy system. The stability and security of the EU's
energy supply have been greatly enhanced by these accords, which are crucial for controlling
gas trade and supply. According to the results, the dynamics of the EU gas market were greatly
affected by global events such geopolitical shifts and energy market variations. As a direct
consequence of these worldwide impacts, gas prices, contract terms, and supply sources have
changed, forcing the European Union to reevaluate and modify its energy policies and
contractual procedures. In order to effectively manage energy difficulties, it is crucial to take a
proactive and strategic approach. Within the energy industry, this means prioritizing flexibility,
innovation, and cooperation. Efforts to address upcoming obstacles are also covered, such as
incorporating renewable energy sources, diversifying energy sources, and discussing technical
advancements that can help the EU energy market remain sustainable and secure
Challenges and opportunities for women in the public sector
No full textDiplomski rad obrađuje temu položaja žena u javnom sektoru u Hrvatskoj kroz povijesnu i suvremenu prizmu, analizirajući ključne društvene, ekonomske i političke aspekte koji su oblikovali pristup žena tržištu rada. Rad je strukturiran tako da obuhvaća nekoliko vremenskih razdoblja, od međuratnog razdoblja i vremena socijalističke Jugoslavije do današnjeg trenutka, s ciljem uočavanja kontinuiteta i diskontinuiteta u pristupu rodnoj ravnopravnosti unutar javnog sektora. Posebna pažnja posvećena je razlikama između javnog i privatnog sektora u pogledu zapošljavanja žena, pri čemu se ističu specifične prepreke s kojima se žene susreću, poput staklenog stropa, horizontalne i vertikalne segregacije, razlika u plaćama te nedovoljne zastupljenosti žena na rukovodećim položajima. Kroz analizu dostupnih podataka, zakonodavnog okvira te nacionalnih i međunarodnih strategija, rad prikazuje postignuća i izazove u ostvarivanju rodne ravnopravnosti u javnom sektoru. U radu se koriste i primjeri iz prakse, uključujući lokalne samouprave poput Crikvenice i Slunja, koji pružaju uvid u stvarnu primjenu politika ravnopravnosti spolova. Također se analiziraju uloga obrazovanja, političkog aktivizma te institucionalne podrške kao ključni čimbenici u osnaživanju žena. Kroz integraciju znanstvenih istraživanja, zakonskih dokumenata i povijesnih izvora, rad pruža sveobuhvatan pregled položaja žena u hrvatskom javnom sektoru te nudi preporuke za unaprjeđenje postojećih mjera
Sinergija poljoprivrede i turizma – konvergencija sezonskih ciklusa u Hrvatskoj i EU
No full textU ovom poglavlju analizira se koncept sezonalnosti u turizmu i poljoprivredi. Sezonalnost u objema gospodarskim granama predstavlja izazov za nositelje razvojne politike. Pritisak na tržište rada, komunalne usluge, kao i ekološke ciljeve, dovodi do potrebe kreiranja niza politika s konačnim ciljem omogućavanja održivog razvoja. Pritom je sve veći naglasak na
lokalnoj zajednici koja mora definirati ciljeve, implementirati politike i preuzeti odgovornost za njihovu realizaciju. U relevantnoj literaturi sezonalnost se često promatra kao problem s kojim se suočava turistički sektor. Kao rješenje toga problema nameće se razvoj selektivnih oblika turizma koji mogu povećati atraktivnost destinacije i izvan sezone. Značajan broj selektivnih oblika turizma povezan je s poljoprivredom koja ima vrlo sličan sezonski ciklus. Pored toga, inputi kojima se poljoprivreda i turizam koriste često su isti i potražuju ih u istom dijelu godine. Zbog toga je neopravdano smatrati turizam i poljoprivredu u potpunosti
komplementarnim djelatnostima s obzirom na to da ih njihova potreba za uporabom prostora, radne snage ili vode dovodi u konkurentsku poziciju
The impact of key economic factors on the development opportunities of Croatian islands
No full textSvjetski i hrvatski znanstvenici koji se bave istraživanjem otočnog razvoja navode kako izučavanje otoka, kao područja s razvojnim posebnostima, zahtijeva specifičnu i prilagođenu metodologiju proučavanja, istraživanja i planiranja. Osnovni cilj ove doktorske disertacije je identificirati i odrediti utjecaj ključnih ekonomskih čimbenika na razvoj i razvojne mogućnosti otoka te predložiti smjernice njihovog budućeg razvoja polazeći od teorijske razrade razvojne problematike otočnog područja te provedenog empirijskog istraživanja. Analizom teorija ekonomskog razvoja te dosadašnjih znanstvenih istraživanja otoka, utvrđeno je da su ekonomski čimbenici koji utječu na njihov razvoj vrlo slični onima koji se identificiraju u analizama regionalnog razvoja, pri čemu se nešto veći naglasak stavlja na turizam.
Provedbom panel analize podataka na uzorku od 18 hrvatskih otoka, utvrđen je pozitivan utjecaj turizma, ljudskog kapitala i mjera ekonomske politike na gospodarski rast kao jednu od komponenti razvoja. Uz spomenute varijable, u model su uvrštene i dvije kontrolne varijable za koje je utvrđeno da su povezane s gospodarskim rastom (nezaposlenost i kretanje stanovništva) kako bi rezultati regresijske analize bili što vjerodostojniji.
Potom je istražen utjecaj prometne povezanosti, turizma i kretanja stanovništva na ekonomski rast. S obzirom na minimalne promjene u kretanju pokazatelja prometne povezanosti tijekom godina, u analizi se koristio vremenski presjek i jednostavna linearna regresija s OLS procjeniteljem.
Analizom gospodarske strukture otoka te izračunom Herfindahl-Hirschmann indeksa i indeksa ogive, u disertaciji se utvrdila uloga pojedinih sektora u otočnim gospodarstvima. Istraženo je na koji način sektori doprinose i ograničavaju ekonomski razvoj te imaju li razvijeniji otoci složeniju gospodarsku strukturu. U disertaciji je također analizirano kako sektori i pojedine gospodarske djelatnosti mogu oblikovati ekonomske izazove i razvojne prilike otoka, nudeći pritom dublje razumijevanje dinamike njihovog razvoja.
Rezultati pokazuju da su postojeći trendovi utjecaja ključnih ekonomskih čimbenika na razvoj otoka u Republici Hrvatskoj u skladu s trendovima na drugim svjetskim i europskim otocima.
Nakon dijela istraživanja u kojem se nastojalo doći do općih spoznaja o utjecaju ključnih ekonomskih čimbenika na razvoj otoka, otoci su rangirani na osnovu 15 pokazatelja primjenom višekriterijske analize. Dobiveni kompozitni indeksi poslužili su kao podloga za grupiranje otoka u četiri razvojne skupine s obzirom na dostignutu razinu razvijenosti.
U posljednjem dijelu empirijskog istraživanja provedeno je anketno ispitivanje eksperata s ciljem evaluacije važnosti pojedinih kriterija unutar definiranih razvojnih dimenzija otoka.
Rezultati anketnog upitnika omogućili su određivanje relativne važnosti pojedinih kriterija za svaki od razmatranih razvojnih scenarija. Slijedom toga, provedena je analiza razvojnih potreba otoka. Primjenom višekriterijske analize, procijenjene su razvojne mogućnosti otočnih razvojnih skupina te je time osigurana znanstveno utemeljena osnova za oblikovanje strateških razvojnih smjernica i ciljanih politika. Na temelju teorijskih spoznaja i dobivenih rezultata, formulirane su smjernice za razvoj otoka koje mogu doprinijeti ubrzanom i uravnoteženom gospodarskom i društvenom napretku, uz istovremeno očuvanje ekološke ravnoteže.International and Croatian scientists engaged in the research of island development note that the study of islands as areas with development peculiarities requires a specific and adapted study, research and planning methodology. The main objective of this doctoral dissertation is to identify and determine the influence of key economic factors on the development and development opportunities of islands and to propose guidelines for their future development based on the theoretical elaboration of the development issues of island territories and the empirical research conducted. By analyzing the theory of economic development and previous scientific research on islands, it was found that the economic factors influencing their development are very similar to those identified in analyzes of regional development, with a slightly greater emphasis on tourism.
A panel analysis of data conducted for a sample of 18 Croatian islands revealed the positive influence of tourism, human capital and economic policy measures on economic growth as one of the components of development. In addition to the above variables, two control variables related to economic growth (unemployment and population movement) were included in the model to make the results of the regression analysis as credible as possible.
The impact of transport connectivity, tourism and population movement on economic growth were then examined. Since the minimal changes in the movement of transport connectivity indicators during the year, a time cross-section and a simple linear regression with the OLS estimator were used for the analysis.
By analyzing the economic structure of the islands and calculating the HHI index and the Ogiven index, the dissertation determined the role of each sector in the island economies. It examined how sectors contribute to or limit economic development and whether more developed islands have a more complex economic structure. The thesis analyzed how sectors and individual economic activities can shape the economic challenges and development opportunities of islands, providing a deeper understanding of the dynamics of their development.
The results show that the existing trends in terms of the influence of key economic factors on the development of islands in the Republic of Croatia are in line with the trends on other islands worldwide and in Europe.
After a part of the research aimed at gaining general insights into the influence of key economic factors on the development of islands, the islands were ranked on the basis of 15 indicators using a multi-criteria analysis. The composite indices determined served as the basis for categorizing the islands into four development groups in terms of the level of development achieved.
In the last part of the empirical research, an expert survey was conducted with the aim of evaluating the importance of individual criteria within the defined development dimensions of the islands. The results of the survey questionnaire made it possible to determine the relative importance of the criteria for each of the development scenarios under consideration. Subsequently, an analysis of the islands' development needs was carried out. By applying the multi-criteria analysis, the development possibilities of the island development groups were assessed, thus providing a scientifically based basis for the formation of strategic development guidelines and targeted policies. Based on the theoretical findings and the results obtained, guidelines for the development of the islands were formulated that can contribute to an accelerated and balanced economic and social progress while maintaining the ecological balance
Agriculture Through Sustainability Perspectives
No full textToday’s agriculture is facing a number of challenges that will have a major impact on its future. Therefore, even though most of these issues are universal and apply to the agricultural sector across Europe and the world, this book is dedicated to analyzing the specific problems and opportunities in Croatian agriculture. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing sustainable strategies that will enable farmers to successfully adapt their operations to global trends and changes.
One of the biggest challenges for Croatian agriculture is its size, which is small, and fragmentation, both of which pose an obstacle in its competitiveness in comparison to large global producers. While the sector is experiencing rapid progress worldwide, the state of Croatian agriculture is aggravated even more by technological backwardness as many farmers still rely on outdated methods and equipment. Rural communities, already burdened by economic challenges, are facing depopulation and out-migration of young people, resulting in the reduction of the agricultural labour force and threatening the survival of rural areas. This is a problem not only in Croatia, but also in other European countries, which increasingly emphasizes the need for sustainable solutions. Moreover, climate change makes the already difficult conditions in agriculture even more complex as it significantly affects crop yields and quality. The preservation of agricultural varieties is not only a question of agricultural survival, but also of preserving cultural heritage and food diversity. Adapting to the new conditions requires innovative approaches, investment in more resilient varieties and equipping farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to manage change effectively.
Despite these difficulties, Croatian agriculture has considerable potential for development. The synergy with tourism offers opportunities to combine local products with the growing agritourism sector, opportunities to promote local products, support rural development and preserve traditions. With the help of government incentives and European funding, Croatian farmers can modernize their farms, invest in innovation and improve product quality. Particular opportunities lie in the development of organic farming, the circular economy and the shortening of supply chains, which enable greater added value for both producers and consumers.
In this book, particular attention is given to products that combine market potential and cultural identity, such as wine, prosciutto and honey. These products not only have high added value, but are also a symbol of Croatian tradition and excellence on the international stage. Their development can open up and create new business opportunities and, at the same time, strengthen the identity of rural communities.
By comprehensively analyzing the challenges and opportunities, this book aims to give the reader a deeper insight into the complexity of the Croatian agricultural sector. We hope that it will help to understand the problems faced, but also to find solutions for sustainable development. With the right use of resources, innovative strategies and the combination of science and practice, Croatian agriculture has the potential to become more competitive, to preserve rural areas and to contribute to the overall economic development of the country.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the authors who had recognized the need to participate in writing this book and have contributed to it with their work. We would also like to thank four distinguished university professors who have reviewed the book and have recognized the value of this academic work. In addition, we would like to thank all thirty-four reviewers of the individual chapters, as each chapter underwent a double-blind anonymous review process before the entire book was reviewed. Finally, we would like to thank the management of the Faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Rijeka for their full support in preparing this book. And to conclude, the book in front of you entitled Agriculture Through Sustainability Perspectives is published as a scientific monograph of the University of Rijeka in accordance with the decision of the Senate (Class 007-01/25-03/02, Registration number: 2170-137-01-25-38, on 18th February 2025).
The book is financed by three scientific projects, two funded by the University of Rijeka (The institutional framework of the wine sector in the Republic of Croatia (ZIP-UNIRI-2023-4) and Economic perspectives and sustainability of the agricultural sector (uniri-iskusni-drustv-23-295)) and one funded by the Jean Monnet Chair (EU Business Policies and Contemporary Challenges of European Integration)
Assessment of the current state and the importance of further development of agriculture and rural areas
No full textThe development of agriculture and rural areas is one of the most important interests in any country. It is even more important in Croatia due to the decades-long challenges faced by domestic agricultural production, the ever-increasing depopulation of Croatian villages and the aggravation of problems related to climate change. In this chapter, the attitudes of 1,014 respondents from Croatia participating in the Eurobarometer survey were analysed and compared with the attitudes of respondents from other European Union countries (the total sample comprises of 26,511 participants). At the same time, attitudes towards the importance of agricultural development in rural areas, the role of agricultural producers, the desired characteristics of agricultural and organic products and the relationship between agriculture and climate change were analysed. Despite the similarities and trends in the responses in most of the analysed areas, there were evident differences between the developed and less developed EU members and between the member states from the southern part of the European Union. In particular, Croatian respondents showed a positive attitude towards organic and ecologically produced agricultural products and the need to improve the quality of life in rural areas. This positive attitude can serve as a glimmer of hope and an incentive to invest additional efforts in the development of this part of the economy
Sustainability effects of strengthening gender equality processes – the case of women empowerment in Albania
No full textThe aim of this chapter is to identify the socio-economic spectrum of sustainability effects resulting from the realization of gender equality. Using qualitative statistical data to illustrate the sustainability aspects of the women’s empowerment process in Albania, the research objective is based on the hypothesis that unequal opportunities for women prevent their full potential to contribute to social and economic values, which has a negative impact on overall sustainability. The analysis uses national statistical data based on gender-specific variables related to entrepreneurship, employment structure in industry, rural and urban poverty rates, and Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) expenditures which were analyzed to identify crossinstitutional support for gender equality. The results of the study show that the role of women is insufficiently considered in some aspects of sustainable development in Albania. As a fundamental finding, the authors emphasize that any case of gender inequality (women or men) is a social risk with multiple negative impacts - especially in terms of sustainable development. Therefore, this chapter calls for a strong commitment of all national factors to empower women and to utilize the country’s institutional and nongovernmental potential to ensure a more sustainable value based process of women’s empowerment
Ekološka poljoprivreda - novi trendovi
No full textEkološka poljoprivreda, odnosno organski uzgoj hrane i životinja, sve je značajniji dio suvremene poljoprivrede, trgovine, ali i prehrane te svakodnevnog života – kako globalno, tako i u okvirima Europske unije. S obzirom na specifični kontekst i uvjete takva uzgoja, nameće se potreba jasnog i transparentnog, ali ujedno i učinkovitoga pravnog i financijskog
okvira koji nastoji olakšati i potaknuti farmere na odustajanje od konvencionalne prakse, što ponekad rezultira manjim prinosima i radno intenzivnijom proizvodnjom. Postavljaju se brojna pitanja - od motivacije i koristi pokretanja ekološke poljoprivrede, pa do njenih učinaka i potrebnih mjera za stvaranje poželjnog pravnog i financijskog okvira. Stoga ovaj
članak nastoji pojasniti ključne pojmove vezane uz ekološku poljoprivredu, prikazati specifičnosti ekološkog uzgoja u Europskoj uniji (i položaj EU-a na globalnoj sceni) te utvrditi pravne i financijske okvire koji utječu na europske farmere i potrošače. Istraživanje pokazuje da cijeli niz država članica EU-a provodi procese prenamjene konvencionalne u ekološku
poljoprivredu (ponajprije Austrija i sjeverne članice), pri čemu je značajan i napredak Hrvatske. Analiza je pokazala da se europsko tržište ekološke hrane nadograđuje prikladnim zakonodavnim i financijskim okvirima, usklađenima na razini EU-a, ali i šire. Premda EU svojim financijskim i strateškim odrednicama nastoji svima pomagati u 'zelenoj tranziciji', naprednije države prednjače visokim ulaganjima izravno iz nacionalnih izvora. Naposljetku, istraživanje potvrđuje da u određenim uvjetima i okruženjima ekološka poljoprivreda smanjuje troškove te rezultira većim dohocima radnika (u odnosu na konvencionalnu proizvodnju)